Toronto’s Luke Schenn moved to Flyers for James van Riemsdyk

A day after Pittsburgh’s Jordan Staal was traded to his brother Eric’s team in Carolina, Toronto’s Luke Schenn joined younger sibling Brayden in Philadelphia in exchange for James van Riemsdyk.

The move should be one that appeases both teams and players.

The Leafs, who had been stockpiling defencemen in this weekend’s draft, finally gets the big power forward they had been seeking.

Van Riemsdyk had been on GM Brian Burke’s radar for some time and there had been rumours at last season’s trade deadline of a similar deal. Part of the reason why nothing happened was that the 6-foot-3, 211-pound winger had been injured with a concussion.

When healthy, however, van Riemsdyk is the kind of big body that Burke — and new coach Randy Carlyle — covets.

The 23-year-old scored only 11 goals and 24 points in 43 games last season, but a year earlier had a breakout season with 21 goals and 40 points, as well as seven goals in 11 playoff games. The thinking is that the former second overall pick (2007) has only scratched the surface of his potential.

With the Flyers deep with forwards, he might not have been able to get the opportunity he now has with the Leafs.

Schenn, who was Toronto’s fifth overall pick in 2009, was in a similar position. Once considered a future captain, he had ranked last amongst Leafs defencemen in ice time this season despite leading all NHL rearguards in hits. A change of scenery is likely needed, and Philadelphia, which could be without captain Chris Pronger, should provide that.

In a conference call Saturday, Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said he believes in van Riemsdyk’s potential and while it’s not necessarily a fresh start for the former second overall draft pick, the deal is a positive for both clubs.

“Well, I don’t know about that. I think I’ve told you enough about how strongly I feel about James becoming a good player, and I believe he will become a very good player in our league,” he said. “Unfortunately for us, I think it’s going to be for Toronto now. The guy we got coming back is going to fill needs on our team and is going to be a good young player on our team. So I think it’s a win-win.”

Burke was on the same page as well.

As important as Schenn’s physical play was to the Leafs’ blueline, van Riemsdyk is the type of forward Burke has been after since he took over as GM.

“We are really excited by the parts of the game that James will bring to the Leafs,” said Burke. “He will provide speed, size, and finesse to our top two lines and we know that he fits those needs that we have wanted to address for some time. We thank Luke for his tremendous on and off ice contributions to our organization. He’s a true professional and we wish him the very best in Philadelphia.”